The Health Service Journal (HSJ) has reported that the Department of Health is to launch an independent review into allegations of bullying and harassment against East Midlands strategic health authority (SHA).

The allegations were made by the chair of United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS trust, David Bowles, who resigned recently amid claims that the SHA was substituting bullying for performance management. Mr Bowles further said that he refused to work in a system which he says has not learnt the lessons of Mid Staffordshire and which has lost sight of patient safety issues. Further details of Mr Bowles allegations can be found here.

Of particular interest to Healthcare Governance Review, is the statement made by one of the responders to the HSJ article who says: “Interesting that it is a good friend and colleague of Mr Nicholson in Neil Goodwin who is undertaking the INDEPENDENT review.”

Readers might like to reflect on whether they feel Mr Nicholson is following the principles of good governance on this matter. Read the full HSJ article here and leave your comments below.

One Response to NHS chief executive appoints “good friend and colleague” to undertake an ‘independent’ review of bullying claims

[…] The review found “no evidence” to support the claims against East Midlands Strategic Health Authority (SHA). However, concerns have been raised about the independence of Neil Goodwin, a former SHA chief executive (click here). […]